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Instagrammable Beijing: A Guide to Its Most Photogenic Sites

Explore the visually stunning corners of China's historic capital, from ancient palaces to modern architectural marvels. This list captures the essence of Beijing through its most photogenic spots, perfect for photographers and Instagram enthusiasts alike, providing an array of vibrant backdrops that reflect the city's rich heritage and contemporary flair.

Great Wall of China at Mutianyu
Great Wall of China at Mutianyu

Huairou District, Beijing, China

A less crowded section of the Great Wall with picturesque views

Forbidden City
Forbidden City

Dongcheng District, Beijing, China

The iconic imperial palace complex of historical China

Temple of Heaven
Temple of Heaven

Dongcheng District, Beijing, China

A grandiose temple complex with striking architecture

Summer Palace
Summer Palace

Haidian District, Beijing, China

An expansive royal park with breathtaking gardens and lakes

Nanluoguxiang Hutong
Nanluoguxiang Hutong

Dongcheng District, Beijing, China

A charming alley known for traditional Beijing architecture and culture

798 Art Zone
798 Art Zone

Chaoyang District, Beijing, China

A trendy art district featuring contemporary art galleries and installations

Beihai Park
Beihai Park

Xicheng District, Beijing, China

An ancient and majestic imperial garden with a central lake

Wangfujing Snack Street
Wangfujing Snack Street

Dongcheng District, Beijing, China

A bustling market street with a variety of local snacks and souvenirs

CCTV Headquarters
CCTV Headquarters

Chaoyang District, Beijing, China

The avant-garde skyscraper representing modern architecture in Beijing

National Centre for the Performing Arts
National Centre for the Performing Arts

Xicheng District, Beijing, China

A futuristic dome-shaped opera house near Tiananmen Square

Yonghe Temple
Yonghe Temple

Dongcheng District, Beijing, China

A serene Tibetan Buddhist temple complex also known as the Lama Temple

Shichahai
Shichahai

Xicheng District, Beijing, China

Historic scenic area with lakes, traditional courtyards, and nightlife

Sanlitun
Sanlitun

Chaoyang District, Beijing, China

A lively area known for its shopping, dining, and entertainment options

Dashilar Street
Dashilar Street

Xicheng District, Beijing, China

One of the oldest commercial streets in Beijing with a unique vibe

Jingshan Park
Jingshan Park

Xicheng District, Beijing, China

A beautiful hilltop park offering panoramic views of the Forbidden City

Beijing National Stadium (Bird's Nest)
Beijing National Stadium (Bird's Nest)

Chaoyang District, Beijing, China

The stunning Olympic stadium known for its bird's nest-like structure

Zhongshan Park
Zhongshan Park

Xicheng District, Beijing, China

A tranquil space with landscaped gardens adjacent to the Forbidden City

Prince Gong's Mansion
Prince Gong's Mansion

Xicheng District, Beijing, China

A well-preserved Qing dynasty mansion with classic Chinese gardens

Fayuan Temple
Fayuan Temple

Xicheng District, Beijing, China

The oldest Buddhist temple in Beijing with a peaceful ambiance

Niujie Mosque
Niujie Mosque

Xicheng District, Beijing, China

A significant Islamic place of worship with beautiful architecture

Bell and Drum Towers
Bell and Drum Towers

Dongcheng District, Beijing, China

Historical structures offering insight into ancient timekeeping

Di'anmen Outer Street
Di'anmen Outer Street

Dongcheng District, Beijing, China

A historical street with a diverse range of traditional shops and food stalls

Guozijian Street
Guozijian Street

Dongcheng District, Beijing, China

An ancient street flanked by traditional educational institutions

Miaoying Temple White Stupa
Miaoying Temple White Stupa

Xicheng District, Beijing, China

An iconic white stupa within an ancient temple complex

Guanfu Museum (Classic Art)
Guanfu Museum (Classic Art)

Chaoyang District, Beijing, China

A private museum collection showcasing classic Chinese fine art

The Imperial College (Guozijian)
The Imperial College (Guozijian)

Dongcheng District, Beijing, China

A historic institute that was the highest level of learning in imperial times

Yandaixiejie Hutong
Yandaixiejie Hutong

Xicheng District, Beijing, China

One of the oldest hutongs and famous for its teahouses and silk stores

Beijing Planetarium
Beijing Planetarium

Haidian District, Beijing, China

An educational and research institution with state-of-the-art astronomy exhibitions

Lugou Bridge (Marco Polo Bridge)
Lugou Bridge (Marco Polo Bridge)

Fengtai District, Beijing, China

An ornate stone bridge over the Yongding River known for its sculptural details

Simatai Great Wall
Simatai Great Wall

Miyun District, Beijing, China

A remote and beautifully preserved section of the Great Wall with overnight stays

Peking Man Site at Zhoukoudian
Peking Man Site at Zhoukoudian

Fangshan District, Beijing, China

This UNESCO World Heritage Site showcases prehistoric human communities

The Old Summer Palace (Yuanming Yuan)
The Old Summer Palace (Yuanming Yuan)

Haidian District, Beijing, China

Repeatedly looted ruins of what was once an imperial garden, presenting a blend of history and nature

Panjiayuan Antique Market
Panjiayuan Antique Market

Chaoyang District, Beijing, China

A bustling market offering a wide array of antiques, crafts and cultural relics

Songzhu Temple & Zhizhu Temple
Songzhu Temple & Zhizhu Temple

Haidian District, Beijing, China

Ancient neglected temples unaltered by tourism, nestled in a picturesque hilly setting

Cuandixia Village
Cuandixia Village

Mentougou District, Beijing, China

A tranquil Ming dynasty village surrounded by rolling hills and natural scenery

Tanzhe Temple
Tanzhe Temple

Mentougou District, Beijing, China

Nestled in the mountains west of Beijing, this ancient Buddhist temple is known for its stunning architecture and tranquil surroundings

Qianmen Street
Qianmen Street

Dongcheng District, Beijing, China

A famous pedestrian street with restored Qing-style buildings, teahouses and theaters

Baiyun Taoist Temple
Baiyun Taoist Temple

Xicheng District, Beijing, China

Known as the White Cloud Temple, this serene site is one of the most renowned Taoist temples in China

Taoranting Park
Taoranting Park

Xicheng District, Beijing, China

Famous for its beautiful pavilions and tranquil landscape architecture

Liuhe Pagoda
Liuhe Pagoda

Tongzhou District, Beijing, China

Known for its beauty reflecting in the nearby canal, this pagoda has important historical and architectural significance

Great Wall of China at Mutianyu A less crowded section of the Great Wall with picturesque views

Great Wall of China at Mutianyu
Great Wall of China at Mutianyu A less crowded section of the Great Wall with picturesque views
Forbidden City The iconic imperial palace complex of historical China

Forbidden City
Forbidden City The iconic imperial palace complex of historical China
Temple of Heaven A grandiose temple complex with striking architecture

Temple of Heaven
Temple of Heaven A grandiose temple complex with striking architecture
Summer Palace An expansive royal park with breathtaking gardens and lakes

Summer Palace
Summer Palace An expansive royal park with breathtaking gardens and lakes
Nanluoguxiang Hutong A charming alley known for traditional Beijing architecture and culture

Nanluoguxiang Hutong
Nanluoguxiang Hutong A charming alley known for traditional Beijing architecture and culture
798 Art Zone A trendy art district featuring contemporary art galleries and installations

798 Art Zone
798 Art Zone A trendy art district featuring contemporary art galleries and installations
Beihai Park An ancient and majestic imperial garden with a central lake

Beihai Park
Beihai Park An ancient and majestic imperial garden with a central lake
Wangfujing Snack Street A bustling market street with a variety of local snacks and souvenirs

Wangfujing Snack Street
Wangfujing Snack Street A bustling market street with a variety of local snacks and souvenirs
CCTV Headquarters The avant-garde skyscraper representing modern architecture in Beijing

CCTV Headquarters
CCTV Headquarters The avant-garde skyscraper representing modern architecture in Beijing
National Centre for the Performing Arts A futuristic dome-shaped opera house near Tiananmen Square

National Centre for the Performing Arts
National Centre for the Performing Arts A futuristic dome-shaped opera house near Tiananmen Square
Yonghe Temple A serene Tibetan Buddhist temple complex also known as the Lama Temple

Yonghe Temple
Yonghe Temple A serene Tibetan Buddhist temple complex also known as the Lama Temple
Shichahai Historic scenic area with lakes, traditional courtyards, and nightlife

Shichahai
Shichahai Historic scenic area with lakes, traditional courtyards, and nightlife
Sanlitun A lively area known for its shopping, dining, and entertainment options

Sanlitun
Sanlitun A lively area known for its shopping, dining, and entertainment options
Dashilar Street One of the oldest commercial streets in Beijing with a unique vibe

Dashilar Street
Dashilar Street One of the oldest commercial streets in Beijing with a unique vibe
Jingshan Park A beautiful hilltop park offering panoramic views of the Forbidden City

Jingshan Park
Jingshan Park A beautiful hilltop park offering panoramic views of the Forbidden City
Beijing National Stadium (Bird's Nest) The stunning Olympic stadium known for its bird's nest-like structure

Beijing National Stadium (Bird's Nest)
Beijing National Stadium (Bird's Nest) The stunning Olympic stadium known for its bird's nest-like structure
Zhongshan Park A tranquil space with landscaped gardens adjacent to the Forbidden City

Zhongshan Park
Zhongshan Park A tranquil space with landscaped gardens adjacent to the Forbidden City
Prince Gong's Mansion A well-preserved Qing dynasty mansion with classic Chinese gardens

Prince Gong's Mansion
Prince Gong's Mansion A well-preserved Qing dynasty mansion with classic Chinese gardens
Fayuan Temple The oldest Buddhist temple in Beijing with a peaceful ambiance

Fayuan Temple
Fayuan Temple The oldest Buddhist temple in Beijing with a peaceful ambiance
Niujie Mosque A significant Islamic place of worship with beautiful architecture

Niujie Mosque
Niujie Mosque A significant Islamic place of worship with beautiful architecture
Bell and Drum Towers Historical structures offering insight into ancient timekeeping

Bell and Drum Towers
Bell and Drum Towers Historical structures offering insight into ancient timekeeping
Di'anmen Outer Street A historical street with a diverse range of traditional shops and food stalls

Di'anmen Outer Street
Di'anmen Outer Street A historical street with a diverse range of traditional shops and food stalls
Guozijian Street An ancient street flanked by traditional educational institutions

Guozijian Street
Guozijian Street An ancient street flanked by traditional educational institutions
Miaoying Temple White Stupa An iconic white stupa within an ancient temple complex

Miaoying Temple White Stupa
Miaoying Temple White Stupa An iconic white stupa within an ancient temple complex
Guanfu Museum (Classic Art) A private museum collection showcasing classic Chinese fine art

Guanfu Museum (Classic Art)
Guanfu Museum (Classic Art) A private museum collection showcasing classic Chinese fine art
The Imperial College (Guozijian) A historic institute that was the highest level of learning in imperial times

The Imperial College (Guozijian)
The Imperial College (Guozijian) A historic institute that was the highest level of learning in imperial times
Yandaixiejie Hutong One of the oldest hutongs and famous for its teahouses and silk stores

Yandaixiejie Hutong
Yandaixiejie Hutong One of the oldest hutongs and famous for its teahouses and silk stores
Beijing Planetarium An educational and research institution with state-of-the-art astronomy exhibitions

Beijing Planetarium
Beijing Planetarium An educational and research institution with state-of-the-art astronomy exhibitions
Lugou Bridge (Marco Polo Bridge) An ornate stone bridge over the Yongding River known for its sculptural details

Lugou Bridge (Marco Polo Bridge)
Lugou Bridge (Marco Polo Bridge) An ornate stone bridge over the Yongding River known for its sculptural details
Simatai Great Wall A remote and beautifully preserved section of the Great Wall with overnight stays

Simatai Great Wall
Simatai Great Wall A remote and beautifully preserved section of the Great Wall with overnight stays
Peking Man Site at Zhoukoudian This UNESCO World Heritage Site showcases prehistoric human communities

Peking Man Site at Zhoukoudian
Peking Man Site at Zhoukoudian This UNESCO World Heritage Site showcases prehistoric human communities
The Old Summer Palace (Yuanming Yuan) Repeatedly looted ruins of what was once an imperial garden, presenting a blend of history and nature

The Old Summer Palace (Yuanming Yuan)
The Old Summer Palace (Yuanming Yuan) Repeatedly looted ruins of what was once an imperial garden, presenting a blend of history and nature
Panjiayuan Antique Market A bustling market offering a wide array of antiques, crafts and cultural relics

Panjiayuan Antique Market
Panjiayuan Antique Market A bustling market offering a wide array of antiques, crafts and cultural relics
Songzhu Temple & Zhizhu Temple Ancient neglected temples unaltered by tourism, nestled in a picturesque hilly setting

Songzhu Temple & Zhizhu Temple
Songzhu Temple & Zhizhu Temple Ancient neglected temples unaltered by tourism, nestled in a picturesque hilly setting
Cuandixia Village A tranquil Ming dynasty village surrounded by rolling hills and natural scenery

Cuandixia Village
Cuandixia Village A tranquil Ming dynasty village surrounded by rolling hills and natural scenery
Tanzhe Temple Nestled in the mountains west of Beijing, this ancient Buddhist temple is known for its stunning architecture and tranquil surroundings

Tanzhe Temple
Tanzhe Temple Nestled in the mountains west of Beijing, this ancient Buddhist temple is known for its stunning architecture and tranquil surroundings
Qianmen Street A famous pedestrian street with restored Qing-style buildings, teahouses and theaters

Qianmen Street
Qianmen Street A famous pedestrian street with restored Qing-style buildings, teahouses and theaters
Baiyun Taoist Temple Known as the White Cloud Temple, this serene site is one of the most renowned Taoist temples in China

Baiyun Taoist Temple
Baiyun Taoist Temple Known as the White Cloud Temple, this serene site is one of the most renowned Taoist temples in China
Taoranting Park Famous for its beautiful pavilions and tranquil landscape architecture

Taoranting Park
Taoranting Park Famous for its beautiful pavilions and tranquil landscape architecture
Liuhe Pagoda Known for its beauty reflecting in the nearby canal, this pagoda has important historical and architectural significance

Liuhe Pagoda
Liuhe Pagoda Known for its beauty reflecting in the nearby canal, this pagoda has important historical and architectural significance